TerraVelo Tours, the only company to offer fully-inclusive luxury travel for both avid (the “Peloton”) and casual (the “Travelers”) cyclists – offering an unforgettable journey for both skill sets – now launches its year-round bike tours with two departures through Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, and Arches National Parks September 14 and October 5, 2014.
“TerraVelo Tours provides moveable luxury camping with a rigorous and exhilarating cycling itinerary,” states David Levine, co-founder of the luxury cycling tour company. “Our bicycle tours bring together a maximum of 12 guests for intimate dinners, amazing food and enlightening conversation, complemented by luxurious camping and amenities. Our guests are cared for by ten staff members, the highest ratio among bicycle tours.”
Levine, an avid cyclist who has pedaled and walked the soil of 61 countries, leads the “Travelers” group, while a Tour de France veteran leads the “Peloton” of serious cyclists.
“Just get yourself to the airport, and we’ll take care of the rest,” adds Rebecca Martin, Levine’s partner and co-founder. “Airfare, excursions, a masseuse, even the toothpaste are included in the experience. A private chef and sous chef will accompany us, preparing all our meals and snacks during each seven-day adventure. Our accommodations every night will be in luxurious, elegant tents, adding to the beauty of the scenery while providing supremely comfortable shelter. This is unheard of in our cycling world!”
Each of the luxury tents simulates an upscale hotel guestroom, outfitted with Tempur-Pedic mattresses; Frette linens; down comforters; rugs; furnishings from ABC Home & Carpet and Mitchell Gold +Bob Williams; Turkish bath towels; and Molton Brown toiletries and sundries.
Each night’s Camp will include: a full-time personal chef and sous chef who will prepare all meals; a dining tent; sunrise yoga; laundry service; evening entertainment including live music and campfire. On two evenings, a masseuse will provide 30-minute massages; on other nights, guests will enjoy educational sessions from a visiting astronomer and/or geologist who will share insights on Utah’s gorgeous night sky, landscape and vegetation.
A Lounge tent with a sofa, club chairs, board games including chess, backgammon, playing cards; books and a fully-stocked bar; shower and restroom facilities complete the mobile accommodations.
TerraVelo cycling days range from 70-100 miles of pedaling each day for the “Peloton,” while the “Travelers” ride 20-35 miles, followed by alternative activities – horseback riding, sightseeing and transportation to that night’s relaxing stop, perhaps for a day with a book.
Martin and Levine add, “TerraVelo Tours will take you on the two-wheel ride of your life, then pamper you under a million stars.”
Levine rode his first bike tour during a three-month journey through 13 countries in Europe and the Near East, fueling his passion for bike touring, which has brought him to some of the most breathtaking places on earth. With TerraVelo, he plans to share his passion for riding, food, the outdoors, and his belief in the power of the body.
Martin, who comes from a family of hostesses and entertainers, is passionate about her role to help others create meaningful and memorable experiences. “We remember the magical moments in life,” she says. “TerraVelo promises to be the highlight reel of your special movie.”
The 7-day tour begins in St George, Utah with a warm up ride up Kolob Terrace Road, an excellent introduction to the breathtaking views to come, on the West Side of iconic Zion National Park. At the convergence of the Colorado Plateau, the Great Basin, and the Mojave Desert, Zion National Park has more than 291 species of birds, 900 species of plant, and extraordinarily stunning views. Bikers will ride up Zion Canyon through the red and tan-colored Navajo Sandstone, enjoying breathtaking views. Travelers hike the Canyon Overlook Trail; the Peloton rides the nearly 2,000 feet in elevation gain in Zion and on through the shifting hills of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.
The tour continues to Bryce National Park, where the day begins with sunrise yoga. Travelers will hike through the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon at of the Rim Trail between Sunset and Sunrise Points. The Peloton will continue through the rest of Bryce, then into the other-worldly Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to Torrey. Along Scenic Byway Highway 12, The Peloton will pass the wild Hogback Ridge and conquer the 9,600 foot Boulder Mountain Summit. Travelers can ride the most stunning parts of the Highway 12.
Day Four begins with a ride past Chimney Rock and historic Fruita as the cyclists traverse the serene Capitol Reef National Park. This night, guests can get up close and personal with the planets with a local astronomer who will utilize a high powered telescope to explain the constellations, stars and give us an insight to this vast universe. On Day Five, Travelers hike to Balanced Rock, Broken Arch, Delicate Arch, and Landscape Arch, and enjoy horseback riding in the afternoon, after a brief ride through Arches National Park; the Peloton rides Arches more extensively, continuing up the breathtaking south end along the Colorado River.
The tour concludes at Canyonlands National Park. Travelers ride through the park and hike the Mesa Arch Trail and Upheaval Dome Overlook Trail. The Peloton rides the spectacular Grand View Point Road’s 3,000+ foot elevation gain over 21 scenic miles, continues through Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point State Park, then descends.
At the end of the tour, guest departures are from Moab Airport (Canyonlands Field). The Peloton can opt to ride the challenging La Sal Mountain Loop Road. Sprinter vans will transport all guests to the airport in Moab for their journey home.
Reservations are required and can be made online at www.TerraVeloTours.com
